In this episode of Recipe to Revenue, Kimberlee J Burrington, Vice President of Technical Development at the American Dairy Products Institute, delivers crucial insight about real costs entrepreneurs face, technical expertise requirements, and manufacturing pitfalls that determine whether startups succeed or join the high failure rate of brands that never make it to market.
Why $20K Product Development Is the Cheapest Part of Food Startups
by Sinuate Media | Recipe to Revenue
KJ shares her extensive hands-on experience helping food entrepreneurs navigate product formulation, co-packer selection, and scaling challenges from her work at the Center for Dairy Research and ADPI.
Watch or listen to learn more about:
- Why $10-20K product development is actually the least expensive part of launching
- What a $50K co-packer trial actually gets you (and why it’s necessary)
- The reality of food startup failure rates and how to avoid common mistakes
- Why technical expertise is non-negotiable even if you can only afford part-time help
- Hidden costs that blindside entrepreneurs, including ingredient shortages and price volatility
- How Goodsport created an innovative sports drink using milk matter more than just closing deals
- What you must prepare before approaching any co-packer
- Grant funding opportunities through industry programs most entrepreneurs miss
Whether you’re developing a protein beverage, dairy-based product, or any food or beverage innovation, this episode provides essential technical foundation knowledge and realistic cost expectations from an expert who’s seen both successes and failures firsthand.
